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New urbanism is not exactly a new concept. It incorporates the plans of cities and towns built across the world for centuries past. But in the United States today, sprawl has taken over. New urbanism brings home, work, schools, shops, civic buildings, and parks all within walking distance. It uses trains instead of cars for transportation between towns. New urbanism can be practiced by a single building or entire community. A new urbanism community will be pedestrian friendly with safe walkways that are easy to navigate. The zoning is mixed use with a mix of commercial and residential. Homes include a mix of housing styles for a range in affordability and diversity among residents. Buildings are built closer together to promote walking and have less of an impact on the environment.
New urbanism increases the quality of life for its residents. Besides the obvious impact on health through walking and biking, new urbanism reduces stress attributed to long commutes. It gives independence to those who do not have access to a vehicle like the elderly, children, and poor. It provides a better sense of community by purchasing local goods while getting to know your neighbors better. New urbanism also comes with the added benefit of stable housing prices so important in today's economy.
New Urbanism can be found close by with two new urbanism communities right in Chester County. The newly built Sadsbury Park located in Sadsbury Township offers single homes and townhomes within walking distance to parks and historic Sadsburyville. Eagleview is the most know new urbanism community in Chester County. Located minutes from the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Eagleview has everything from homes (for sale and rent), shops, restaurants, and parks right next to its corporate center making it the ideal model for new urbanism.
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